March 2003
Today some 50 to 60 junior tennis players and many more adults were on hand to
see what many call the best tennis in town, the UNLV tennis program. UNLV ladies
tennis team played their last home match of the year today, losing an extremely
close match to the BYU team which is presently ranked 14th in the nation. But in
the process they gained the respect of many up and coming junior players as the
kids came out to see what college tennis is about and it inspired them all.
For years Kevin Cory's woman's team has been one of the top in the nation, and
many of you still remember when local tennis pro Tim Blenkiron won the NCAA
title in doubles with Luke Smith. The men's team has not been as good in recent
years. Last year they were 2 wins and 14 loses. Yet this year the team has had a
significant improvement under the new leadership of Coach Owen Hambrook, who was
hired this year to bring glory back to the men's tennis program. The team, which
includes many local players, has regained their strength , winning 8 of their
last 10 matches. It is amazing how in one year the program has done a complete
turn around. Next weekend, April 2-4, the men's team concludes their home season
with matches Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is a chance to see some excellent
tennis.
Today was the beginning of a reunion between the strong local tennis community
and it's UNLV tennis team. I see a benefit for junior and adult players to go out
and watch entertaining tennis, while at the same time see in fluid action, the
very thing many are being taught at their local clubs; The only difference is
here you see it in being performed. UNLV plays division I, and therefore many of the top
5 teams in the country. UNLV is also the host of regional tournaments and a season
kickoff tournament which had lasts years NCAA Championship singles finalist and
winner in the draw.
It was just years ago that former UNLV stars Tim Blenkiron and Nenad Zivkovic
played in UNLV'S Professional Challenger. In the first round they played Andre Agassi and
his coach at the time Brad Gilbert. In two amazing sets, the UNLV players lost by
the slightest of margins 7-6, 7-6. It just goes to show that some of the best
college players , on a given day, are and can play pro level tennis, and you can
go watch for free anytime UNLV has a match.
VegasTennis.com is going to work with you to Bring Tennis Alive in the Valley,
One match at a time, and an intricate part of that is the support of UNLV's
tennis program. The woman's team has just ended their home season
today and I was happy to have such a large crowd out there to support the team,
and even more, so juniors can experience the entertainment side of watching high
level tennis. There was insight to gain, whether seeing first hand how a player
stays calm under pressure or the way a player gets down low before hitting a
ground stroke, or the magnificent camraderie that an event like this affords.
UNLV lady rebels were very close in almost every match against the BYU team,
showing the UNLV program is very strong under coach Corey's leadership. In
practises and at matches you can see the team is close and Kevin is smooth in
how he handles many different accomplished athletes to make them feel like one
cohesive team. His assistant coach is Stephane Mathue-Cambas, who played on the
tour for 10 years and is getting his MBA now at UNLV. Stephane is the undisputed
best singles player in Las Vegas, and has been an intricate part of this coaching
staff. Today Mathue and Blenkiron were able to catch up. The two often play
doubles together as the only undefeated doubles team in Las Vegas, winning the
VegasTennis.com BALLY'S CUP last year.
Many coaches in town were enthusiastic about this day of support for the UNLV
program. The most significant contribution came from Tim Blenkiron, who as a UNLV
alumni, is now the coach of Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club tennis program. In
years to come you may witness the tremendous success of Andre's program as players
who develop eventually use it as a vehicle to get into a great college, perhaps
even getting a scholarship. Blenkiron, voted last years developmental coach of the
year, shows a tremendous amount of enthusiasm when ever I call him to support
anything tennis. Today he brought his whole program, some 20 players and parents.
Also present was Saad Ashraaf, and Robbie Parlade. Saad coaches "TEAM MISSION HILLS",
a group of players he developed from beginners to tournament players. Robbie Parlade,
an avid and enthusiastic Rebel fan, came out as usual and encouraged his whole
tennis club at UNLV to do the same. Robbie works with Leon Vernon and has
developed top tournament players like Andrew Craven, and participates in George
McCall's Inner City Games tennis programs that gets hundreds of kids playing
tennis.
Thanks to UNLV tennis Director and ladies coach Kevin Cory and assistant coach
Stephane Matue-Cambas the junior players that came out today were able to watch
great tennis then afterwards play themselves. Some of the juniors that participated
were: Cristala Andrews, McCall from California, Lauren McFarlene from Utah, Andrew
Craven, Shauna Morgan , Alex Zara, Asia Muhammad, Stan Breland, Blake Lamberth,
Trenton Alinek, Spencer Aguiar, Ozzie Taveras, Gabrielle Gibson, Alicia Cook,
Brittany Hanna and many others.
In short, it was a great day of watching good tennis, especially the number 1
doubles match on center court, and playing tennis.
Thanks to TEAM AGASSI and SCHLOTSKY'S DELI on Flamingo and Decatur for sponsoring
this event.
It should be noted, the UNLV men's team, which has made an amazing come back this
year, will have it's final home match next week at UNLV, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
April 2-4th. Admission is free.
Enjoy.
